A short time ago the China-based company formally known as Oriental DreamWorks (producers of Kung Fu Panda 3) relaunched as Pearl Studio. Originally a joint venture between DreamWorks Animation and Chinese company China Media Capital, the rebranding occurred when DWA sold its stake in the company to CMC.

Now Pearl Studio has announced their first project since the change in ownership, and they've recruited some veritable Western animation royalty to bring it to life. It's been revealed that their next film will be directed by none other than former Disney legend Glen Keane.

Keane will make his feature directorial debut with Over The Moon, which will be produced by Pearl Studio in collaboration with Netflix, from a screenplay by Audrey Wells. Over The Moon will be a musical film inspired by a classic Chinese myth, in which a young girl builds a rocket to the moon to try and meet a legendary Moon Goddess.

The film is set for release in 2020. Pearl Studio will release the film in cinemas in China, but it will be available exclusively via Netflix everywhere else.

"I am powerfully drawn to characters who believe the impossible is possible," says Keane. "Over the Moon has just such a heroine as its centrepiece. The compelling script by Audrey Wells has tremendous heart and humour that called to me and I had to respond. I’m honoured to bring this story to life alongside my producer Gennie Rim. We are both looking forward to creating a wonderful film and partnership with Melissa Cobb at Netflix and Peilin Chou at Pearl Studio." Keane revealed a sketch featuring the film's heroine Fei Fei:

There are still many unanswered questions- such as: will it be CG animated or 2D? Further details are being kept under wraps for now, but we will definitely be keeping a close eye on this one.

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